What is the special significance of Joseph’s second dream (Genesis 37:9-10)?

Both the dreams of Joseph look forward to the day when the One of whom he is so striking a picture, the Lord Jesus, “the man of sorrows,” “despised and rejected of men,” crucified, but now exalted, will be recognised and owned even by those who once refused him. The first dream, of course, had its literal fulfilment in Egypt, when Joseph’s brethren bowed at his feet. It will also have its further fulfilment “when He comes whose right it is,” and “they shall look on Him whom they pierced,” and shall “mourn because of Him.” Then the affecting scenes between Joseph and his brethren will be re-enacted in deeper measure between Christ and the saved remnant of Israel (Zechariah 12:10-12), which will form the nucleus of the nation, over which He will reign for ever.

“The Lord God shall give Him the throne of His father David, and He shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever, and of His kingdom there shall be no end” (Luke 1:32, 33). This is the earthly kingdom—the sheaves speak of a harvest—”the field is the world.” The second dream has had no fulfilment yet. Rachel had already passed away. Jacob never bowed to Joseph, but he will to the greater than Joseph. If “the sheaves” point to an earthly sphere, the sun, moon, and stars point to another, the heavenly. This goes further and higher than the first. The earthly kingdom is everlasting, but not unlimited (see Psalm 72:8). The second will be universal, as well as everlasting. It will include the other, but go beyond it. Of that kingdom, too, Christ will be the Crown, the Centre, and the Sum.